Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Divisive
Causing disagreement or hostility; tending to divide people into opposing camps.
adjective💡
Imagine This
Imagine a town hall on a controversial topic where a speaker's remarks spark sharp reactions, and the audience instantly splits into two opposing groups, each shouting from opposite sides of the room.
🔊
Sounds Like
dih-VY-siv
👀
Looks Like
Looks like divide/division; shares the same root as those words.
📝
Remember This
Divisive describes rhetoric or actions that estrange people or create factionalism. It is the opposite of unifying or inclusive.
📚
Other Forms
divisivenessnoun
divisivelyadverb
🔗
Connect With
unify, polarize, partisan, sectarian, controversy
📌
Note
Be careful not to confuse with divisible (capable of being divided) or division (the act or result of dividing); divisive describes causing division, not the mathematical process.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The divisive debate over immigration policy polarized the town.
- The candidate used divisive rhetoric that alienated moderate voters.
Synonyms
polarizingcontentiouscontroversialalienatinginflammatory
Antonyms
unifyinginclusiveconciliatory
Etymology
From Latin divisus (divided), past participle of dividere 'to divide', with the suffix -ive.
Mnemonic
Divide visions: divisive describes something that divides people by presenting two opposing viewpoints.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Placid
adjectiveCalm, peaceful, and not easily excited or upset; describes a tranquil demeanor or setting.
Flippant
adjectiveLacking proper seriousness or respect; treating important matters with a frivolous, glib attitude.
Deference
nounThe act of submitting to the opinions or wishes of another; respectful yielding.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Partisan
noun and adjectiveA strong, biased supporter of a party or cause; as an adjective, describing biased, one-sided allegiance to a party or faction.
Controversy
nounA disagreement, especially a public or heated one, about a particular issue.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.